I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated (WN) - Reviews

A lot of the logic simply doesn't hold up. People with stats in the thousands, like this Rynford character, can be blocked early on, even though they possess a Tier 2 Evil God magic skill and around 2000 magic points. However, much later in the story, when Fran is about four times stronger and has maxed out her Tier 2 Sword Ability—the highest possible level (since the idiotic sword forgot it has an Overskill ability that can evolve maxed skills)—she gets wrecked by characters with lower stats and lower weapon mastery.

Either I'm missing something, or the author isn't consistent with their ability grading. The novel once stated that having a five-level difference in weapon mastery creates an insurmountable gap that even absurdly higher stats can't bridge (like with the super skeleton guy). Yet, Fran can't defeat someone with lower speed and lower whip arts, despite having a sword with 3700 attack power (though it's never explained how that number influences anything) and 120 skills tailored to the situation.

Take my review with a grain of salt.

Liking this Web Novel (WN) largely depends on your feelings towards the main character (MC). While the narrative may not be the most innovative, the author has made significant efforts to ensure it is readable and enjoyable. When combined with the excellent work of the English translators, the result is quite appealing.

**Pros:**

- **Strong Female Lead:** The protagonist may not appear heroic at first glance, but she possesses the heart of a true hero. She is strong-willed, kind to the weak, relentless against wrongdoers, and highly self-motivated. Her character is someone you can trust and root for.
  
- **Interesting Side Characters:** While not every secondary character stands out, those who do are well-developed and add depth to the story. Some side stories are particularly engaging, and additional perspectives could enhance the narrative even further.
  
- **Not Overwhelmingly Overpowered (OP):** Unlike many isekai novels where the MC is invincible, this story features a protagonist who faces genuine challenges. The most memorable moments often occur when the main characters are on the brink of defeat. They aren't natural leaders, but they can collaborate effectively with others.
  
- **Well-Written Story:** Despite relying on familiar tropes, the story is well-crafted and engaging. The writing is clean and the ideas are well-developed. Some themes are rich enough to warrant their own arcs, and the world-building is impressive.
  
- **No Harem, No Dense Male MC, No Beta Doubts:** The main characters take action and face consequences head-on. There's no unnecessary romantic entanglement or self-doubt that slows down the plot.

**Cons:**

- **Unmemorable Antagonists:** Most of the villains are generic and lack depth. Only one or two stand out as more than just "boss monsters" with high stats or unique abilities.
  
- **Black and White Morality:** The characters are clearly divided into good and evil, with little room for nuance. While this simplifies the story, it can also make it less intriguing.
  
- **Overused Food Trope:** The novel falls into the cliché of portraying Japanese food as the ultimate culinary experience, which can be tiresome and unrealistic.

This novel stands out from the majority of recent Japanese web novels due to its originality. It avoids common tropes like harems and the cliché of an overpowered protagonist who constantly cheats the system. Instead, the main character (MC) is more of a father figure, which is a refreshing change from the typical self-cloning heroes. The female lead is likable, cute, and determined. However, what the novel could benefit from is a rival for the female lead—a character who pushes her to improve because she hates losing. It would be great if more attention is given to the side characters, and I hope that later on, someone who can support the female lead, aside from the MC, appears. , it’s a fantastic novel so far, and I hope it continues to maintain its originality.

I will try to describe my experience with reading this. I've been reading the raw version continuously for 2 years on Syosetu. So I might forget some parts.

First, the early part when the Main Character (MC) was still alone is just a typical power-up fantasy. However, the real story begins when he meets Fran.

The story follows the journey of Fran and the MC, also known as "Teacher," as they try to uncover the reason why the Black Cat Tribe cannot evolve and attempt to resolve this issue.

It turns out that the inability to evolve is linked to the ancient Black Cat Tribe's imperial family attempting to harness the power of a sealed evil god. As punishment, the gods cursed them, preventing evolution. To lift the curse for the entire tribe, they need to defeat an S-class monster. Alternatively, an individual can break the curse by destroying more than a thousand fiends, though I might be a bit fuzzy on the specifics.

Throughout their journey, they face numerous challenges, both psychological and physical. The journey is quite engaging, giving you a genuine sense of "adventure." Fran does not stay in one place or establish a base; it's a true adventure of discovery and exploration.

In terms of writing style, the story feels well-planned and organized. The early part is essentially an adventure focused on searching for clues about the curse and Fran’s attempts to evolve, while encountering various events that become significant in the distant future.

For instance, the chaos in Barbra, around chapter 100+, where the destruction could have been much worse if not for a certain someone advising his past self to limit the power given to Fran. This becomes relevant again in chapter 500+. Without spoiling too much, this involves time travel, and we even get to see an alternate version of Fran from a different timeline, who is extremely powerful but utterly ruthless.

The story is divided into many large arcs, often spanning over 100+ chapters, with some even extending to 300+ chapters. However, this doesn’t drag the story. Each large arc contains multiple smaller arcs that connect the story, providing clues and forming a larger narrative. This structured approach is impressive.

The characters feel alive. The author introduces characters purposefully, and they interact with Fran throughout her journey, forming meaningful relationships. Each character has a distinct personality.

One of the most significant aspects, at least for me, is witnessing Fran's growth as a person. Early in the story, Fran spoke little and often sought advice from the MC before conversing with others. Over time, she experiences friendship, separation, reunion, and loss. Her character development is subtle but profound. By the time you reach 900+ chapters, you realize she has become decisive, intelligent, and capable of making her own decisions. It feels like watching a child grow up.

Initially, Fran was ruthless, with no qualms about killing or torturing her enemies. She harbored a deep hatred for slave traders, particularly the Blue Cat Tribe, who enslaved the Black Cat Tribe and killed her parents. However, through her journey with the MC, she learns about mercy and compassion. She realizes not all Blue Cats are evil.

The MC plays a crucial role as Fran's teacher, scolding her when she makes mistakes and praising her when she does well. He acts like a parent and mentor, which is vital. Around chapters 500-600+, we encounter an alternate Fran.

In this timeline, the MC has lost all emotions and has become a divine sword, functioning like an AI, making decisions based on calculations. There was no one to guide Fran when she made mistakes or to praise her for good deeds. This Fran is extremely ruthless and powerful. She kills anyone who offends her, and due to her immense power, no one can stop her. By chapter 660, she has mastered the divine beast form and can control the evil god’s power sealed in the sword without negative consequences. She single-handedly defeats an S-rank monster, the Great Beast, which, in the main timeline, required the combined power of Weena Rhyn's current and future selves.

Why did the MC lose his emotions in this timeline? His power grew too quickly, overwhelming his mind and causing it to collapse. Future Zearis advising his past self to limit power to Fran actually saved the MC in the main timeline. Although the main timeline Fran is less powerful, she is in much better mental and emotional condition. She has friends, Urushi is alive, and her Teacher remains sane. , she is a better person.

Lastly, regarding the power scale, you might think Fran is overpowered with the MC’s "ability steal" and "ability sharing." However, the author does an excellent job balancing the world's power dynamics. Battle scenes are vividly portrayed, and over 1000+ chapters, you see Fran’s battles evolve from those of an inexperienced adventurer to those of a seasoned veteran.

Fran doesn’t always win. She loses many battles and faces close calls, learning and growing from each experience. Even after 1000+ chapters, Fran is still a B-rank adventurer, though her battle power is at an A-Class level. By chapter 900+, she takes the first step toward divine beast transformation, becoming very powerful but not overpowered.

An adventurer's rank is determined by their ability to defeat magic beasts of the same threat level in a party or one threat level below solo. For example:
- **S Rank:** Global Crisis (Mythical Beasts, Fenrir, Divine Dragon)
- **A Rank:** Continental Crisis (Demon Lord, Monarch Dragon)
- **B Rank:** National Crisis (Greater Demon, Arch Dragon, Giant King)
- **C Rank:** Citywide Crisis (Tyrant Saber Tiger, Lesser Demon)
- **D Rank:** Townside Crisis (Lesser Hydra, Dragon Blast Tortoise)
- **E Rank:** Village Crisis (Lesser Wyvern, Ogre)
- **F Rank:** Can Be Dealt with by a Mercenary Party (Pack of Wolves, Horde of Goblins)
- **G Rank:** Can Be Dealt with by Average Adults (Goblin, Fang Rat)

There is much more to discover by reading the story. The world-building is vast and detailed. I still enjoy this story immensely. Thank you, Tanaka Yuu-sensei!

Swordbro isn't the best reincarnation novel out there, but I wouldn't say it's bad. It's way better than Re:Monster (which I think is garbage) but not on the same level as Reincarnator (a masterpiece). Sometimes it presents the story from the perspective of other characters, such as the kuudere lolicatgirl, and it has a good story focus so it never feels boring, unlike certain novels (e.g., Summoned Slaughterer). The characterization is not terrible. If you simplify it, the main character (MC) just wants to eat powerful monsters, and the kuudere lolicatgirl just wants to evolve or something—though she doesn’t really talk much. So, the characters are arguably pretty bland, but they do get fleshed out here and there. What I’m saying is that the characters' actions are consistent and make sense, and they’re not stupid. The main draw of the story is the plot rather than the characterization, and forget about the MC's past life—he doesn’t even mention it past chapter 1. I won’t say much about the action other than it’s pretty standard xuanxia stuff—use skill, BAM enemy dies, gain new skill, repeat ad infinitum. But the story progression so far is pretty interesting; it definitely feels like it’s moving forward and not just slaying the same monsters over and over since he keeps getting new skills that significantly impact the story. Well, it’s only been 33 chapters, so it might get boring at some point, but we’ll see if the translator keeps it up.

I created an account just to leave a comment. I love this novel; it’s slow-paced, but it’s not boring. The scenes are so well-described that you can vividly imagine them, even without illustrations. The action scenes are intense and engaging. Unlike many other isekai novels, there's no harem or romance—just a cute catgirl and her sword-father exploring the world, making friends, and saving people (and sometimes beating them up too). Fran, the catgirl, is relatively strong but not overpowered. There are many monsters and people who are much stronger than her, yet she steadily improves both as a fighter and as a person, which is truly heartwarming. The sword isn’t some typical shounen protagonist with a strong sense of justice and a desire to save everyone; he’s a pretty humorous guy with a lot of inner monologue, considering he doesn’t have many people to talk to.

, it’s a fun story about a girl, her sword, and her wolf/dog companion as they go on adventures and try to get stronger. There isn’t really a specific goal or a final boss.

The translation quality is generally good, and the latest translator, franscurry, does a great job, releasing three chapters every three days.

That’s about it for this novel. It’s a fantastic read with well-structured arcs and is incredibly unique for an isekai. It has its fair share of climactic moments while also maintaining slice-of-life elements that add color and fun to the story. , it’s one of the best novels I’ve read, though rereading all 973 chapters might be a bit daunting, lol.

So this is what an addiction feels like...

Spoiler

I'm not sure why, but some people want the main character to grind like it’s a game for years on end because Fran holds him back. Like, have you ever not talked with anyone for a long amount of time? You do know that's how you go crazy, right? Also, in later chapters, they are incredibly strong as a pair.

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The skills at the start are a bit overpowered, but it's not really discussed later. I think the author cooled down a bit.

Spoiler

One thing I want is for Fran to open up a little more, as she can come off as inhuman (being a beastman) at times.

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"The adventure of Little Kitty and her sword is fantastic. It’s all good with a solid 5-star rating right up until the end of the arena competition (around chapter 200). After that, it starts to go downhill, becoming somewhat dull and lacking in excitement. The antagonist feels lackluster, and our beloved kitty turns into a battle-obsessed robot. The story takes on a cheap feel. However, I still highly recommend reading it at least until the arena competition ends. Judge it for yourself after that :)"

It's an isekai adventure story with RPG elements, nothing more. But if you like those tags, this is a great webnovel. The adventure aspect is particularly well-executed.

The "real" main character is the sword, but it becomes almost permanently bound to Fran (the girl in the picture) a few chapters in. So if you're worried about the main character being dull because they're just a sword, Fran effectively takes on the role of the main character, with the sword providing guidance and advice. Fran is a well-crafted character—she’s kind when she chooses to be and ruthless when necessary, which is quite refreshing. There’s none of that nonsense where thugs who enslave people are spared; they get what they deserve.

Unfortunately, around chapter 305, the quality of the translations starts to decline significantly. Someone else has taken over translating the later chapters, so it might improve again once you reach them, but I couldn’t tolerate it. Fortunately, the series has been licensed, and as of this review, there are 11 professionally translated volumes of the light novel available.

Fran is cute.

The story revolves around a cute catgirl named Fran who is on a quest for evolution, accompanied by a sentient sword. However, at its core, the narrative focuses on Fran's adventures across various locations.

The story has a relaxed pace, so your enjoyment of it largely depends on how much you like Fran.

It's nearly impossible not to like Fran, given how adorable she is.

The two central characters are a typical reincarnated individual, albeit in the unusual form of a sword, who is generally overpowered, and a (very) cute, deadpan catgirl named Fran.

Together, they travel to different places, meet new people, and occasionally engage in battles for various reasons.

One aspect I particularly appreciate about this story is the caretaker-child dynamic between the two main characters. It’s refreshing compared to many other isekai web novels that often romanticize their characters.

The story revolves around a sword growing stronger through battle. The characters lack chemistry, and there’s a typical Japanese protagonist with occasional cooking segments to fill in the gaps. However, when the female lead is a 12-year-old, it’s hard to expect mature or engaging dialogue.

Still, I’ve enjoyed the story so far because I’m curious just how much more powerful the sword will become. That’s what keeps me reading. As for the rest, I don’t expect anything beyond typical Japanese antics.

This novel is a thrilling roller-coaster ride, and it can be incredibly satisfying if you share my tastes, such as seeing annoying characters get their comeuppance.

When I say it’s a roller-coaster ride, I mean the narrative has moments where it feels like you’re climbing to the peak of Mount Everest, only to plunge straight down into the Mariana Trench, then climb back up again. The beginning can be quite bland, but once it picks up momentum, things get really engaging. So, you might start feeling like you're at the bottom of the Mariana Trench before you realize how high the ride can go.

Here are some key points that some reviewers who gave low ratings might have missed (minor spoilers included):

- **Why does the sword MC have a human figure as a doppelganger, and why doesn’t Fran (the wielder) question it?**  
  Fran knew that the sword was once a human. Additionally, the sword can create doppelgangers, and it’s likely that his human form is a result of his past life being embedded in the skill.

- **How can he fly, even though it’s through telekinesis?**  
  In the manga, it’s shown that the sword was "created" or "blessed" by three goddesses. He possesses unique properties similar to Godblades or Divine Blades, but he isn’t a Godblade himself. Instead, he has unlimited growth potential, setting him apart from other blades. This makes him something greater, and it remains a mystery for now.

- **The cooking competition arc seems boring, but it’s actually part of the plot:**  
  This arc introduces the Evil God and its minions, showcasing their power. The finalists are chosen based on income and customer numbers, which hints at the idea that consuming certain foods can grant buffs or debuffs. One of these debuffs could be a curse from the Evil God. This ties into the broader plot, as the Evil God is a major driving force behind the story’s development.

- **Critics say the novel is bland, especially due to the boring start.**  
  Rating a novel based solely on its initial impression is like judging a person without getting to know them fully. You need to give it a chance to develop, just as you would in real life when deciding whether to trust someone or not.

If you enjoy fantasy RPG elements, give this novel a try. As someone who has played RPG games, I found it highly enjoyable. If you share my interests, you won’t regret reading it.

One of the novel’s likable aspects is how the sword MC evolves from a typical isekai pervert to a caring and guiding father figure for Fran. Despite being locked away for months and wasting a significant amount of Evo-Points (similar to Skill Points), he only experiences a brief period of insanity. This transformation is surprising and adds depth to his character, making him a more relatable and admirable protagonist.